The Lenasia Table Tennis Association (LTTA) is proudly represented on the international stage as player Danisha Patel and coach Sameera Maal are part of Team South Africa competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships in New Delhi, India.
The prestigious tournament, running from 27 July to 2 August, has brought together some of the Commonwealth’s top table tennis players, with South Africa already beginning its campaign in the competition.
Patel earned her place in the national team following a string of impressive performances, including winning the Southern African Women’s Singles title for a third consecutive year and helping South Africa secure the women’s team championship earlier this month in Harare, Zimbabwe.
She is joined by LTTA coach Sameera Maal, who forms part of the national coaching team alongside Kelvin Smith. Their selection reflects the continued growth of LTTA and its contribution to producing players and coaches capable of performing at the highest level.
The South African squad features Danisha Patel, Musfiquh Kalam, Bhavna Heeralal and Lailaa Edwards in the women’s team, while the men’s side consists of Ruan Scholtz, Sphelele Sithole and Cuten Lodewyk.
The national delegation is led by coaches Kelvin Smith and Sameera Maal, with Kogasan “Keegan” Reddy serving as team manager. South African Table Tennis Board (SATTB) President Thabang Tsheiso is also part of the delegation.
South African Table Tennis Board (SATTB) President Thabang Tsheiso expressed confidence in the team ahead of the championships, saying the players had earned the opportunity to represent the country through hard work and dedication.
“Our players have worked tirelessly in preparation for this prestigious event and have earned the honour of representing South Africa. We are proud of every member of the team and have every confidence that they will compete with determination, integrity and pride,” he said.
The board also acknowledged the important role played by coaches, management, families and other stakeholders in supporting the continued growth of table tennis in South Africa.
For LTTA, the presence of both Patel and Maal at one of the sport’s biggest international events is another proud milestone for the association. Their involvement highlights the strength of the local club in developing both elite athletes and high-performance coaches capable of representing South Africa on the global stage.
As the championships continue in New Delhi, the LTTA community will be cheering on Patel and Maal as they look to help South Africa achieve success against some of the Commonwealth’s strongest table tennis nations.
